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President Declares Major Disaster for North Carolina

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a major disaster exists in the State of North Carolina and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Hanna during the period of September 4-15, 2008.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The President's action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Hanna in the counties of Beaufort, Brunswick, and Person.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Paulison named Michael Bolch as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.